Juve play down Lampard link

Saturday 20 January 2007 00:03 BST

Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco has played down speculation the Turin club will make a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard in the summer.

With Juve poised to make a return to the Italian top flight, Lampard's name cropped up after his agent Steve Kutner was pictured talking to Juve executives earlier this week. But Secco explained the meeting with Kutner had nothing to do with any approach for the 28-year-old England international.

"The truth is that we had a meeting in England to strengthen our relationship with certain English clubs and Lampard's agent helped us to do so," said Secco. "We didn't go to London for him (Lampard) and there is no negotiation whatsoever to sign him."

Lampard has made it clear he would like to remain at Stamford Bridge although he has yet to agree a new contract.

Secco added: "In the light of the comments made by the player, it's clear that his future is in England."